Planning Application Details

That the development would be contrary to the provisions of the adopted Rural Areas Local Plan (1992) and the approved South Oxfordshire Local Plan (1993). Planning permission will not normally be given for isolated houses in the countryside (Rural Areas Local Plan Policy H5; South Oxfordshire Local Plan Policy H6) and in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty the fundamental aim is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty and special landscape quality of the area (Rural Areas Local Plan Policy C7; South Oxfordshire Local Plan Policy C2). Provision is made for the conversion of existing buildings in the countryside subject to certain provisos including that the buildings do not require major re-building or significant alterations which would damage their fabric or essential character and that in the case of proposals for residential use all alternative uses have been explored and found to be unacceptable in planning terms (Rural Areas Local Plan Policy CON11; South Oxfordshire Local Plan Policy C11). The site lies in open countryside in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; the buildings would require substantial re-building or alteration to be made habitable and it has not been demonstrated that the buildings could not be put to an alternative use. There is therefore no justification for permitting a new dwelling in the open countryside which together with ancillary domestic activities and structures would detract from the rural character and landscape of the locality.